Core Viewpoint - Lowe's Companies has reaffirmed its 2025 outlook and capital return strategy, indicating a potential continuation of its stock price uptrend despite mixed quarterly results [1][8]. Financial Performance - Revenue contracted by 2.2% year-over-year, missing consensus estimates, with comparable sales down 1.7% due to weather and consumer-related weaknesses, although growth was noted in professional and online segments [6][8]. - GAAP earnings reported at $2.92, slightly ahead of consensus estimates, despite a faster contraction than revenue [7]. Guidance and Forecast - Lowe's forecasts revenue between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion for 2025, with margins expected to remain strong [8]. - The 12-month stock price forecast is set at $276.17, indicating a potential upside of 20.97% based on 25 analyst ratings [9][12]. Shareholder Returns - The company has a dividend yield of approximately 2.01%, with a low payout ratio of about 40% of the 2025 earnings forecast, and a 5% increase in the 2024 payment is anticipated [10][11]. - Share repurchases have slowed but remain sufficient to offset share-based compensation, resulting in a net 2% decline in shares compared to the previous year [10]. Market Sentiment - Analysts maintain a Moderate Buy rating on Lowe's stock, with ongoing institutional buying expected to provide bullish momentum [12][13]. - Recent price target reductions from some analysts may limit potential gains, but overall coverage remains firm with a bullish bias [12].

Core Insights - Lowe's reported revenue of $20.93 billion for the quarter ended April 2025, reflecting a 2% decrease year-over-year, with EPS at $2.92 compared to $3.06 in the same quarter last year [1] - The revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $20.92 billion by 0.03%, while the EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $2.88 by 1.39% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Comparable store sales decreased by 1.7% year-over-year, better than the average analyst estimate of a 2.1% decline [4] - The total number of stores remained at 1,750, matching the average estimate from five analysts [4] - Sales per store were reported at $11.96 million, slightly above the average estimate of $11.92 million from two analysts [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, Lowe's shares returned +5.6%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite increased by +12.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - Two major retailers, Target Corp and Lowe's Companies Inc, reported mixed earnings results, leading to declines in their stock prices due to cautious outlooks and macroeconomic challenges [1] Target Corp - Target's stock decreased by 7% to $91.32 after missing first-quarter revenue estimates and lowering its full-year sales outlook [2] - The retailer reported earnings of $2.03 per share, exceeding estimates, but revenue of $24.53 billion fell short of the $24.52 billion consensus [2] - Year-to-date, Target's stock is down 32.4%, with its 50-day moving average hindering any rallies this month [2] Lowe's Companies Inc - Lowe's stock fell by 1.4% to $227.79, despite beating earnings expectations with first-quarter earnings of $2.92 per share, compared to the expected $2.88 [3] - Revenue for Lowe's was $20.93 billion, slightly missing expectations [3] - The company reaffirmed its full-year outlook, projecting earnings between $12.15 and $12.40 per share and comparable sales growth between flat and 1% [3] Options Activity - Both Target and Lowe's are experiencing heightened intraday options activity, with volumes at four times the average pace for each [4] - Target has seen 2,884 calls and 2,063 puts traded, while Lowe's has recorded 2,908 calls and 2,075 puts [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported sales of $20.9 billion, with comparable sales down 1.7%, aligning with expectations [5][36] - Diluted earnings per share were $2.92, consistent with expectations, while gross margin improved to 33.4%, up 19 basis points from the previous year [36][38] - Comparable average ticket increased by 2.1%, but comparable transactions declined by 3.8% due to unfavorable weather impacting spring traffic [36][37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pro sales experienced mid-single-digit growth, driven by a strong product and service offering [10][28] - Online sales rose by 6%, supported by increased traffic and conversion rates [13] - The company saw solid growth in categories such as patio furniture, fertilizer, and appliances, despite ongoing pressure in DIY discretionary project demand [19][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a decline in DIY bigger ticket discretionary demand, attributed to macroeconomic uncertainties and unfavorable weather conditions [6][24] - The housing market remains a significant focus, with an estimated 18 million new homes needed in the U.S. by 2033, driving pro plan spending [11][52] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to diversifying global sourcing, with approximately 60% of purchases originating in the U.S. and efforts to reduce dependency on China [8][9] - The acquisition of Artisan Design Group for $1.325 billion is expected to enhance pro penetration and position the company in a fragmented $50 billion market [11][39] - The company aims to accelerate online growth and enhance customer experience through technology investments, including the launch of an AI-powered virtual adviser named Milo [15][30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges, citing healthy consumer balance sheets and positive demand drivers [78] - The outlook for fiscal 2025 remains unchanged, with expected sales between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion and comparable sales projected to be flat to up 1% [40][42] Other Important Information - The company celebrated its recognition as number one in customer satisfaction among home improvement retailers by J.D. Power [6][25] - The company is focused on community support initiatives, including a commitment to deliver 10 million square feet of impact nationwide [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of comp to expense leverage for the rest of the year - Management indicated that the first half is mainly a weather story, expecting roughly flat comps and strong inventory levels for Q2 [46][48] Question: Larger Pro and Artisan Design Group acquisition - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition, viewing it as a strategic move to enhance pro penetration and capitalize on market opportunities [49][52] Question: Tariffs and pricing impacts - Management emphasized a portfolio approach to pricing and strong supplier relationships to navigate tariff impacts [66][70] Question: Soft trends in bigger ticket projects - Management noted that consumer confidence and mortgage rates are key factors affecting larger discretionary spending [80][81] Question: Performance in markets with steady spring weather - Management confirmed that business performance improves significantly with favorable weather conditions [89][91] Question: DIY environment and competition - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized the importance of product knowledge and customer service as competitive advantages [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q1 2025, the company reported sales of $20.9 billion, with comparable sales down 1.7%, aligning with expectations [4][36] - Gross margin was 33.4%, up 19 basis points from the previous year, driven by productivity initiatives and improvements in shrink and credit revenue [38] - Operating margin rate declined by 50 basis points to 11.9% compared to the prior year [39] - Diluted earnings per share were $2.92, consistent with expectations [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Pro sales experienced mid-single-digit growth, reflecting the effectiveness of the company's strategy [10][28] - Online sales increased by 6%, supported by higher traffic and conversion rates [13] - The DIY segment faced pressure, particularly in larger discretionary projects, impacting overall sales [24][37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable transactions declined by 3.8%, influenced by unfavorable weather conditions early in the quarter [37] - Comp sales were down 5.4% in February, up 1.7% in March, and down 2.6% in April, indicating a weather-related impact on sales [38] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying global sourcing, with approximately 60% of purchases originating in the U.S. and 20% from China [7][8] - The acquisition of Artisan Design Group for $1.325 billion aims to enhance penetration in the pro market, which is valued at $50 billion [11][40] - The company is committed to accelerating online growth and enhancing customer experience through technology, including the launch of an AI-powered virtual adviser [14][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the consumer's overall health but acknowledged challenges in the DIY segment due to elevated mortgage rates [78][81] - The company anticipates a flat to slightly positive comp sales outlook for the first half of the year, with expectations for improvement in the second half driven by strategic initiatives [41][95] Other Important Information - The company generated $2.9 billion in free cash flow in Q1 and paid $645 million in dividends [39] - The company plans to open five to ten new stores later this year [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Relationship of comp to expense leverage for the rest of the year - Management indicated that the first half is mainly a weather story, expecting roughly flat comps and strong inventory levels for Q2 [46][48] Question: Impact of Artisan Design Group acquisition - Management expressed confidence in the acquisition, viewing it as a strategic move to enhance pro market penetration and capitalize on future housing recovery [50][52] Question: Tariffs and pricing impacts - Management emphasized a portfolio approach to pricing and strong supplier relationships to navigate tariff impacts [68][70] Question: DIY market competition - Management acknowledged increased competition but emphasized the importance of product knowledge and customer service as competitive advantages [98][100] Question: Pro business performance and weather impact - Management confirmed that weather significantly impacted Q1 performance but noted improvements as conditions normalized [107]

Core Insights - The retail sector is facing challenges with both Target and Lowe's reporting mixed quarterly results, indicating a cautious consumer environment and potential recessionary conditions [1][2][16]. Target - Target reported earnings of $1.30 per share on revenue of $23.85 billion, missing consensus estimates of $1.62 per share and $24.54 billion in revenue, marking a 19.75% shortfall in earnings and a 2.79% decline in revenue year-over-year [2][3]. - The company revised its fiscal 2026 earnings guidance to a range of $7.00 to $9.00 per share on revenue of approximately $103.9 billion, down from previous estimates of $8.80 to $8.90 per share and $107.63 billion in revenue [4][3]. - Target's digital sales grew by 4.7%, indicating a shift towards online shopping, with plans to enhance its website and app for better customer experience [6][7]. - The company is expected to increase promotions and discounts to attract shoppers back to stores, especially online [7][8]. Lowe's - Lowe's reported earnings of $2.92 per share on revenue of $20.93 billion, slightly above consensus estimates of $2.88 per share but with a 2.03% decline in revenue year-over-year [10][12]. - The company maintains its fiscal year earnings guidance of $12.15 to $12.40 per share on revenue between $83.50 billion and $84.50 billion, aligning closely with current consensus estimates [11][10]. - Lowe's is experiencing a shift in customer focus towards smaller repairs rather than large renovation projects due to higher borrowing costs and a slowing housing market [12][16]. - The company is enhancing its service quality and training for employees, aiming to improve the shopping experience for both retail and professional customers [14][15]. Industry Trends - Retailers are grappling with tariffs, cautious consumer spending due to high prices and interest rates, and a significant shift towards online shopping [16][17]. - Economic uncertainty is leading to a more cautious approach from both companies and consumers regarding spending and hiring [18]. - Retailers are expected to invest in technology and improve online shopping experiences, which may include better apps and faster delivery options [20][23]. - Promotions and loyalty programs are likely to increase as companies seek to stimulate consumer spending during potential recessionary periods [21][24].

Financial Performance - Net earnings for Q1 2025 were $1.6 billion, with diluted EPS of $2.92, down from $3.06 in Q1 2024[1][16] - Total sales for the quarter were $20.9 billion, a decrease from $21.4 billion in the prior-year quarter, with comparable sales down 1.7%[2][16] - Operating income for the quarter was $2.5 billion, representing 11.9% of sales, compared to 12.4% in the same quarter last year[16] - Net earnings for the three months ended May 2, 2025, were $1,641 million, a decrease of 6.5% compared to $1,755 million for the same period in 2024[19] Dividends and Shareholder Value - The company declared a cash dividend of $645 million during the quarter, reflecting its commitment to shareholder value[4][16] - Cash dividend payments totaled $645 million, slightly up from $633 million year-over-year[19] Sales and Revenue Outlook - For the full year 2025, Lowe's expects total sales between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion, with comparable sales projected to be flat to up 1%[10] - The company affirms its full year 2025 outlook despite near-term uncertainties in the housing market[6][3] Operating Metrics - The company anticipates an operating margin of 12.3% to 12.4% for the full year 2025[10] - Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $3,379 million from $4,262 million, reflecting a decline of 20.7% year-over-year[19] Capital Expenditures and Investments - Capital expenditures for 2025 are estimated to be approximately $2.5 billion[10] - Capital expenditures increased to $518 million from $382 million, reflecting a 35.6% rise in investment in growth initiatives[19] Debt and Cash Management - The company repaid $778 million in debt during the period, significantly higher than $22 million in the previous year[19] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period were $3,054 million, down from $3,237 million a year earlier[19] - The net increase in cash and cash equivalents for the period was $1,293 million, compared to $2,316 million in the prior year, indicating a decrease of 44.1%[19] Inventory Management - Merchandise inventory decreased by $926 million, an improvement compared to a decrease of $1,330 million in the prior year[19] Stock Repurchase - The company repurchased $112 million of common stock, a substantial decrease from $923 million in the same period last year[19] Store Operations - Lowe's operates 1,750 stores with a total retail selling space of 195.3 million square feet as of May 2, 2025[3][16] Customer Satisfaction - Lowe's achieved the highest score in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Home Improvement Retailer Satisfaction Study[5][3]

Core Insights - Lowe's Companies, Inc. reported first-quarter fiscal 2025 results with both earnings and net sales surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, although both metrics showed a year-over-year decline [1][3] Financial Performance - Quarterly earnings were $2.92 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.88, but down 4.6% from $3.06 per share in the same period last year [3] - Net sales reached $20,930 million, slightly above the consensus estimate of $20,924 million, but down 2% year over year [3] - Comparable sales declined by 1.7%, influenced by adverse weather conditions, although there was mid-single-digit growth in Pro and online comparable sales [4] Margin and Cost Analysis - Gross profit decreased by 1.5% year over year to $6.99 billion, while gross margin expanded by 20 basis points to 33.4% [5] - Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $4.05 billion, up 0.9% year over year, with this metric increasing as a percentage of net sales to 19.3% [5] - Operating income decreased by 6% to $2.49 billion, with the operating margin decreasing by 50 basis points to 11.9% [6] Financial Health - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $3.05 billion and long-term debt of $30.5 billion [7] - Cash flow from operations for the first three months of fiscal 2025 was $3.38 billion, with a dividend payment of $645 million [8] Future Outlook - Management anticipates total sales between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion for fiscal 2025, with comparable sales expected to be flat to up 1% [11] - Projected operating margin is between 12.3% and 12.4%, with earnings per share expected in the range of $12.15 to $12.40 [11] - Capital expenditures are anticipated to be approximately $2.5 billion for fiscal 2025 [11] Stock Performance - Lowe's shares have declined by 2.5% over the past three months, compared to a 3.1% decline in the industry [12]

Core Insights - Lowe's reported quarterly earnings of $2.92 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.88 per share, but down from $3.06 per share a year ago, indicating an earnings surprise of 1.39% [1] - The company achieved revenues of $20.93 billion for the quarter, slightly surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.03%, but down from $21.36 billion year-over-year [2] - Lowe's has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates over the last four quarters, achieving this four times [2] Earnings Performance - The earnings surprise for the previous quarter was 5.46%, with actual earnings of $1.93 per share compared to an expected $1.83 [1] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $4.25, with projected revenues of $24.01 billion, and for the current fiscal year, the estimates are $12.21 EPS on $84.19 billion in revenues [7] Stock Performance and Outlook - Lowe's shares have declined approximately 6.3% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with a 1% gain in the S&P 500 [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating expected performance in line with the market in the near future [6] - The outlook for the Retail - Home Furnishings industry, where Lowe's operates, is currently in the bottom 21% of over 250 Zacks industries, which may impact stock performance [8] Industry Context - Williams-Sonoma, a competitor in the same industry, is expected to report quarterly earnings of $1.76 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decline of 13.7%, with revenues anticipated at $1.67 billion, a 0.5% increase from the previous year [9][10]

Core Insights - Lowe's reported better-than-expected same-store sales despite weakened consumer confidence and economic volatility, with a same-store sales decline of 1.7% for the quarter ending May 2, but expects this key sales metric to remain flat or grow by up to 1% for the year [1] - The company's revenue for the quarter was $20.93 billion, a year-over-year decline of 2.2%, which fell short of market expectations, while earnings per share were $2.92, exceeding market expectations by $0.05 [1] - The decline in same-store sales was partially attributed to adverse weather at the beginning of the quarter, but growth in online business and professional contractor (Pro) services helped mitigate this impact [1] Industry Context - Despite economic turmoil, U.S. consumers have not significantly reduced or altered home spending, as indicated by the performance of Lowe's and its main competitor, Home Depot [1] - High interest rates have led many consumers to postpone large projects while still engaging in smaller projects, which has helped both companies meet or slightly exceed Wall Street expectations [1] - Home Depot executives noted that the worst economic scenarios seem to be behind them, aided by a diversified supply chain, and they expect to maintain current price levels amid stable spending and limited stockpiling due to tariffs [1] Performance Guidance - Lowe's anticipates total sales for 2025 to be between $83.5 billion and $84.5 billion, with market expectations averaging $84.31 billion; comparable sales are expected to remain flat or grow by 1% [3] Operational Footprint - As of May 2, 2025, Lowe's operates 1,750 stores with a retail space of 195.3 million square feet [4]